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Podcast

The Hidden Chains: Unveiling the Truth Behind Non-Compete Agreements with Matthew Leffler

34:31 min

In this episode of Between The Briefs with Steno, Adrian Cea sits down with Matthew Leffler, a distinguished legal expert and host of the Fleeting Conversations podcast. Matthew offers a deep dive into the world of post-employment restrictive covenants, including non-compete, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreements. He unpacks how these agreements impact workers and employers, shedding light on the growing trend of regulatory changes and the challenges workers face in navigating these complex contracts.

Matthew also explores the consequences of restrictive covenants on job mobility, the role of remote work in their enforcement, and the evolving legal landscape with proposed federal and state reforms. With practical insights on how to protect oneself from overly restrictive clauses and the importance of understanding what you’re signing, this conversation is crucial for anyone looking to grasp the implications of these legal agreements and their potential impact on future employment opportunities.

Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on how restrictive covenants shape the modern workforce and what you can do to stay informed and prepared.

Highlights

00:00
Intro

01:30
What Are Post-Employment Restrictive Covenants?

02:44
The Trap of Non-Compete Agreements

04:34 
Standing Up to Restrictive Contracts

06:50
Why Employers Love Non-Competes

08:16
Remote Work: Changing the Game?

About the Contributors

Joe Stephens

Joe Stephens, J.D., is Steno's Director of Legal Solutions as well as a Clinical Lecturer at Texas Tech University School of Law. With over 15 years of experience in criminal defense and public service, he founded and led Texas' largest rural public defender office, which serves a 12-county area. A graduate of The University of Texas School of Law (cum laude) and Vanderbilt University (B.A.), Stephens currently serves as a Board Member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association (TCDLA) and sits on multiple State Bar of Texas committees. His expertise spans the intersection of legal practice and technological innovation in the justice system.

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Adrian Cea

Adrian Cea is Steno's Social Media Manager, leading content strategy, audience engagement, and digital brand-building across platforms. He also produces and co-hosts Between the Briefs, Steno's podcast covering the intersection of legal technology, court reporting, and the future of litigation. With a background spanning content creation, field marketing, and sales at companies like Sell Better and Chili Piper, Adrian brings a multi-disciplined lens to making complex legal tech topics accessible and engaging.

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